James Jones, Stefan Gill, David Watts, Mike Bernard and Keith Page already signed but Jones will go to the wire if needs be

Coach Jeff Jones will take his bid to strengthen his Manchester Giants squad right to the wire if he has to.

The club yesterday announced five signings for the new season – with the first game of the campaign three weeks away.

James Jones, Stefan Gill, David Watts, Mike Bernard and Keith Page have been confirmed as the first names on the Giants’ roster for 2013-14.

As many as five more additions are expected in the next few days – with David Aliu, Callum Jones and James Griffiths set to return from last season, BBL legend Yorick Williams on the verge of joining the Giants for a second spell and basketball director Graham Herstell in advanced talks with a 6ft 7ins British forward.

But Jones, who has also had discussions with a Spanish player, says the scramble to add the finishing touches to his squad – which may yet include Manchester ace Nick George – could last until the eve of the season.

“We are trying to keep as much of a Manchester flavour to things as possible,” he said.

“The guys that we have confirmed – and are set to confirm – all bought into the philosophy of the club last year as one based on local and English talent.

“They helped us rebuild the club and will continue to help us grow as we strengthen links with the community, schools and other partners.

“But we will keep looking right up to the start of the season. We would like another big man and are waiting on other developments.”

Asked if he would like that to include George, who had a brief, explosive spell with the Giants last season, Jones added: “For sure.”

George, who last month told M.E.N. Sport he would relish the chance to rejoin the club, last night reiterated that stance in an interview with theukbasketballhub website
.

He said: “I’ve said that I want to end my career playing in England. I’ve played in Europe and I’ve done everything I wanted to do.

“I enjoyed last season, it was a good experience in a tough situation – the team had just joined the league. It was good for the team to be competitive.

“I wouldn’t be opposed to signing for another team. But Manchester is perfect for me. It’s my home town, my family is here.

“Realistically, I think the Giants are capable of getting a play-off position in mid-table. They’ve got some of the best facilities in the league so a lot is possible.”

The Giants start the second season of their ‘second coming’ against London Lions at the Copper Box on Friday, September 27 and host Sheffield Sharks at Wright Robinson two days later.

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